For those of you who may be wondering about the Buffalo River Market, the preliminary research is underway. The DL&W Terminal on the Buffalo River has been identified as a viable location if certain key solutions can be hammered out. We all know what the pros are... like waterfront access, Metro Rail proximity (doesn't get any closer), bike route, space (75,000 sq.' interior and 50,000 sq.' upper deck), access from roadways, located near Erie Canal Terminus, and a new roof. So what are the limitations?
First off, there must be a way to get goods to the second tier of the structure. Solutions have been: a ramp that runs up to that level, or a walkway from a nearby parking ramp, or some sort of elevator system. The second problem is (don't laugh) parking issues. The place may be the perfect location for people who use public transportation, but the neighboring lots (there are many) have not been identified/approached for possible use. If the parking issue kills the market idea, then that would be the biggest irony of them all*.
The NFTA is interested in talking, which is great. The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation has given the project their blessing. Common Council has approved the idea unanimously, and Chief of Staff Paul Wolf is for it, as are Councilman Davis and Golombek. There have been meetings with: Sam Hoyt's office, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, Golombek and Spitzer's Western New York representative. We are also arranging meetings with Higgins and Buffalo Place, and hope to sit down with representatives from Schumer's office and Clinton's office. Obviously every meeting has revolved around logistics, and will soon revolve around funding.
Two retail anchors have expressed an initial interest in learning more about the proposal, and upwards of twenty smaller businesses have also expressed their enthusiasm and possible involvement. Even the market committee has grown... currently 80 plus supporters on the list serve. Those supporters are comprised of small businesses, marketers, lawyers, artists, thinkers, believers, and most importantly, people who will look at every angle, and under every stone to get this plan operational. With the right financial support we may just see a public market in the DL&W Terminal on the Buffalo River. If you would like to support this market, please send an email to queenseyes@buffalorising.com.
*There is still a missing bridge (hit by a freighter) that was never replaced. That bridge was the access from the Inner Harbor to the Outer Harbor (on Michigan - crossed the Buffalo River). And there was a bridge building company located directly down the street… now that’s irony.
The images above show an vacant DL&W in Buffalo vrs. a filled St. Lawrence Market in Toronto. The photos are used to to show the similarity between the two spaces. The top photo shows the Metro Rail pulling directly into the terminal.